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With the RF-20 from Universal, you can control up to ten different components with just a single remote. This versatile remote lets you string together several commands into a one-button operation known as a "macro"  such as having one command turn on the TV, the DVD player and your surround sound audio system, all in the proper sequence to watch a DVD.

The remote can also remember up to 40 TV channels, and access them via the "favorite channels" button. A handy LCD screen makes it easy to read and scroll through your command menus, and you can even customize the text labels it displays.

The RF20 comes preprogrammed with over 1,000 remote codes from different manufacturers, and includes a tutorial DVD to take you step-by-step through the simple setup process. It's also a "learning" remote, so you can copy commands directly from your old remotes into the RF-20. And don't worry about having to reload all your settings if the batteries die  the RF-20 can retain its programming for ten years without power.

Like most remotes, the RF20 transmits regular infrared (IR) commands to your equipment for line-of-sight control. It also transmits powerful radio frequency (RF) signals that pass through walls, floors and cabinets. With the optional MRF100B base station, you can control your components from anywhere within a radius of 50-100 feet.

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What's in the box?

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Features

Basic Setup: You can start
setting up your RF20 using the Pre-Programmed Method or the Learning Method. The
Pre-Programmed Method allows you to choose codes from the RF20's built-in
library, which includes thousands of codes for different brands and models of
remote controls. Using the Learning Method, the RF20 can learn commands from
your old remote controls one button at a time.

Punch Through: In most home
entertainment systems, the volume is controlled by a single device. In some
systems, the TV speakers produce the sound, so you would use the TV device on
the RF20 to raise and lower the volume. In other systems, a surround sound
receiver and speakers combine to bring you the audio, so you would use the
RF20's Audio device to adjust the volume. You can use SimpleSound to set the
RF20's volume buttons to always control the sound in your system. That way, when
the RF20 is set to VCR or DVD, the volume up, down and mute buttons will work
without switching back to Audio or TV. The Punch Through feature is not limited
to volume, and can be applied to channel selection, playback controls, etc.

Backlight: The buttons and LCD
screen are backlit for easy nighttime use. You can adjust the amount of time
that the RF20's backlight stays on by entering the Setup mode. You can adjust
the backlight duration from 0-99 seconds.

Favorite Channels: The RF20
allows you to store up to 40 of your favorite channels.

MacroPower: The RF20 features
453 macro buttons, each allowing you to program up to 190 commands.

Hiding and Adding Pages: Each
of your RF20 Devices actually contains eight pages. However, only five pages are
visible in the factory default setting. Three pages are hidden in each device.
If you wish to use the hidden pages, you can add them. If you don't want to use
some of the existing pages, you can hide them.

Erasing: You can erase an
individual button with a learned command, a macro or a favorite channel. You can
erase an entire Device's learned command or macro buttons. You can also erase
all your learned commands on all devices, or all your macros and favorite
channels everywhere. If you really want a fresh start, it is possible to reset
everything to the factory default condition.

Cloning One RF20 to Another: If
you own two or more RF20 remotes, you can copy and transfer all the setup from
one RF20 to another.

Memory: The RF20 stores all of
your settings in non-volatile flash memory. The settings will be retained
without batteries.

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At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to
find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research
team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies
to help people make informed choices.

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RF 20 universal remote: challenge to program

I hoped this well built device could be used to replace my Harmony remote that simultaneously activate multiple relate equipments. The RF 20 can do this, according to the manual, but programming it is nigh impossible unless you first determine and write down all the needed codes for each step. You have only 30 secs to complete a step or you must restart. That and having to first find each opp code is the issue

Universal® MasterControlT RF-20

It requires a short learning curve to be able to use it. It is not as user friendly as expected. I find to get back to "Home" before being able to activate function within device. Has a strong 5 star signal but is less intuitive than expected, but worthwhile. I probably need more time using it and rethinking how I was able to set it up. I am computer literite with experience that started in 1983.

RF-20 leaves you Frustrated

Nice unit but setting up macros and getting them to work is almost impossible. The instructions and DVD are ZERO help. For this price you would hope it was a little more user friendly. My wife refuses to use it since it doesn't work as well as the OEM (CHARTER) remote.

Pros:nice feel. easy to program different units and get them to work.

Cons:No macro buttons per se. Macro programming is cumbersome at best and simple macros fail about 85% of time.

Life saver

After switching to uverse I tried to use their rf remote. What a joke. After hours or programming and troubleshooting I decided to spend 15 minutes, refresh myself with the rf20 learn feature I wish I would have done it sooner. Would have saved 10 frustrating hours of my life. The att rf is such a piece.

Good but could be better

Written By Paul, Augusta, ME on Saturday, July 28, 2012

I often listen to my television while in an adjacent room; the reason I bought this controller was for its ability to control through walls and it works reasonably well for this purpose. My main complaint is with the On/Off macro and the fact that this macro is not sensitive to mode.

Another reason I bought this remote was because it was supposed to work with X-10 systems - unfortunately not with mine it seems.

Great Purchase!

This remote works like a charm with all my devices and the Crutchfield tech support stayed
on the phone with me and helped me program it with each of my devices. He was
knowledgeable and patient. Overall, it was a great experience. I won't hesitate to purchase
from Crutchfield again!

Impressive, but with flaws

Written By John, Magnolia, TX on Thursday, January 08, 2009

What an impressive universal remote! The buttons can 'learn' from a device's remote, or can be programmed with 'macros' (a series of button presses). My DirecTV/TiVo remote has no 'OFF' button, so I programmed the universal remote's 'OFF' button for this. All the buttons on a device's remote can be duplicated on this remote.

But there's a BUG: the 'learning' method for programming buttons DOES NOT WORK, if a macro has previously been stored to the button. One would expect that any old command would automatically be erased when a new command is saved, but that is not the case. The work-around is, you must manually erase the command first (not documented in the manual).

Another problem is the manual. It is glib and superficial. It leaves out some important details. One of the most powerful features is the macro capability, but the manual explains this only thru one example. It does not give a general step-by-step procedure for setting up a macro command on a button for an individual component. Missing is a chapter on macro details for users who are serious about using them.

It can take a lot of time to set up the remote as you might want. The Pre-Programmed Code Method of setup is fast; the Learning Method is also fast, once you have designed the button layout you want. Doing the design of the layout, and learning how the various setup features work, then setting up macros, then changing things when you see how you can improve your layout -- can take a really long time.

Universal® MasterControl RF-20

I was looking for a universal remote to replace six remotes, so that my non-tech wife could use our audio-video equipment. I needed some kind of screen so that she could have instant feedback, plus macro capacity. This remote fulfilled most of my expectations. I especially like that I could rename existing commands and even learn a new command.

My only complaint is that it took me a while to figure out how to program a macro so that it would be invoked by one of the soft keys on a submenu. The DVD tutorial and the illustrated manual show how to associate a macro with a button but do not provide much more information. In fact, even their example, of programming the On button to turn on multiple units, had me stymied at first. This is because the button that is used to invoke the macro (On) happens to also be the button that is invoked within the macro numerous times (to actually turn on each piece of equipment). The should have clearly pointed out that the first time you press On (while programming), you are actually pressing the key that invokes the macro, not turning on the equipment.

Universal® MasterControl RF-20

This is a pretty nice piece of equipment. The only problem I continue to struggle with is access to my DVD. It is a weird brand that does not show on your lists. My plan is to buy a new one shortly. It's time for an upgrade anyway.

Good Product

Written By Matt, Chicago on Monday, April 02, 2007

Worked as advertised and reduced my 6 remotes to one. Easy to program and start using immediately. Still tweaking remote to fine tune it and streamline some of my preferences. I don't have the blaster, but will likely purchase in near future. I would recommend this remote to a friend.

Great Remote

I bought the RF20 and the PowerBlaster base station. Both work as advertised. Very simple to program and use. The LCD screen is great for adding specific function titles for a very customized remote. The buttons have a good quality feel. The only thing I don't like is the backlight. While the light works fine for the buttons it seems to do nothing for the LCD screen. I don't know if it's a problem with the color (it's red) or just not bright enough but the screen is nearly impossible to read in a dark room. Other than that I think this is great remote.

Not sure what the other reviewer is talking about

Need/want to hide your receiver, tivo, dvd player out of sight? Need/want a remote control that can work those devices with the door closed? This is the remote (along with the blaster accessory) for you.

We just bought a 50 inch plasma and installed it on the wall and having the components in the room really took away from the look of the whole thing. We bought this remote and the blaster. Now the components are in the closet, the wires are hidden in the wall and the remote works everything flawlessly.

Preprogrammed codes work most things you can buy today and the learning feature, macro programming and punch through features are simple to set up. My family room went from "Appliance store chic" to "modern streamlined marvel" with this remote.

I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to store their components out of sight. If you don't need to do that, this remote is probably not the best for what you are doing.

Get the URC-200 instead!

Written By Jason, Southfield, MI on Thursday, July 27, 2006

This is supposed to be the update to the URC-200 but it should be advertised as a downgrade (cheap replacement). The colorful appearance of the URC-200 which aids visual placement/navigation is gone. The sturdy high-quality tactile feedback from button operation is gone. Instead the buttons look cheap and ugly and are mushy in operational feel. The navigation pad is concaved so much in the center that often times navigational commands don't register. I have to stick my thumb into the center down deep and try to push from the center out to get it to input the command. This problem was non-existant on the URC-200. The RF-20 does still offer the great operation of the URC-200, but its physical change makes it harder to operate because of the things I noted above. Because Universal Remote Control is marketing this as the update to the URC-200 I gave the RF-20 2/5 stars. Absent the existance of the URC-200, I'd likely give this a low 3/5 stars.

Universal Remote Control took a step backwards with this one. Tactile feel and navigational response is vital to a remote's success. Get the URC-200, the previous version--it is truly one of the best.